Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra: The Life and Times of the Original Father Christmas

Ashley Thomson is a full librarian at Laurentian University and co-editor or co-author of nine books, most recently Margaret Atwood: A Reference Guide, 1988-2005.

Is there really a Saint Nick? After spending over 10 years traveling
across Asia Minor and immersing himself in the literature of ancient
times, David L. Cann has produced a book that attempts to put some flesh
on this legendary figure.

According to Cann’s account, Nicholas began life as a youth in
Patara, and later served that community as priest. He then moved to Myra
where he became Bishop. He was imprisoned during the persecution of
Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian but was released under the
rule of Emperor Constantine the Great and attended the first Council
(325) of Nicaea. In life, Nicholas was known for his kind deeds and many
miracles. After his death, he became part of the Christmas celebrations
of many cultures around the world.

Cann’s book covers all this and more. Most of it describes the
history of the period, with some speculation about what Nicholas might
have been expected to be doing. The reason, of course, is that there is
no conclusive evidence that Nicholas existed—just, as the author says,
“a wealth of fiction.” In this well-intentioned book, Cann displays
an enthusiasm for his subject that is not, unfortunately, contagious.